Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Andrew W on April 27, 2010, 11:13:00 PM

Title: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: Andrew W on April 27, 2010, 11:13:00 PM

I've developed something of a crush on the 60s solidbody Epiphones like the Crestwood, Wilshire, Olympic and Coronet and I have found one locally to me which I might be tempted with if it's as pleasing to play and sounds as good as this one: Warning, Phil X content. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gahO9IlwDEw) 

I've been having a good look around the 'net but information on vintage Epiphones seems thin on the ground.  I was wondering if folks here had experience with them and if so had any pointers on things to look out for or avoid?  Any suggestions or opinions are welcome.  Thanks all.

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: Philly Q on April 27, 2010, 11:34:41 PM

I avoided the Phil X content, but I'm also an admirer of those old Epiphone models. 

If I ever became a vintage guitar collector, that's what I'd collect.

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 27, 2010, 11:44:26 PM

I don't really like this body design :(

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: gwEm on April 28, 2010, 04:52:56 AM

Quote from: Philly Q on April 27, 2010, 11:34:41 PM

I avoided the Phil X content, but I'm also an admirer of those old Epiphone models.  

brother 2 brother!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diwx9GsfZmk

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: Philly Q on April 28, 2010, 08:03:52 AM

Quote from: gwEm on April 28, 2010, 04:52:56 AM

Quote from: Philly Q on April 27, 2010, 11:34:41 PM

I avoided the Phil X content, but I'm also an admirer of those old Epiphone models.  

brother 2 brother!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diwx9GsfZmk

I guess I'm Danny.  :|

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: jpfamps on April 28, 2010, 01:18:15 PM

The Coronet is my favourite of these; it is like a small bodies LP Junior and, in my opinion, more "lively" than a Junior.

The Wilshire is very cool too. The two Crestwoods I've played haven't been that great, although obviously I could have only seen a couple of bad examples.

I prefer the wider necked pre-1964/5 models from a neck profile perspective, although your views on this may differ.

I'm not a huge fan of the vibrato tail piece.

Main things to watch out for:

As with all Gibsons headstock breaks/ repairs. Look out for any refinishing around the back of the headstock.

It's rare to find an Epiphone/ Gibson refin, however clear overspray is not uncommon.

On guitar with a front pickup (eg Wilshire) check that there are no cracks in the body around the front pickup rout.

Sadly Gibson era Epiphones are often robbed for parts to put on more valuable guitars, eg tuners, knobs, pickups, bridges etc.

Any issues you find eg changed knobs, should be reflected in the price.

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: horsehead on April 28, 2010, 05:15:12 PM

Didn't Martin have one of the new wiltshires recently?

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: sgmypod on April 28, 2010, 05:26:43 PM

and a coronet or crestwood(orig one)

Title: Re: Vintage Solidbody Epiphones
Post by: Andrew W on April 28, 2010, 05:59:45 PM

Thanks for the pointers and advice everyone, it proved very useful.  Stand by for a NGD...